To make sure everyone who has a stake in downtown's future can weigh in about possible changes that could make the mixed-use, urban neighborhood more livable, the city has added a focus group for people who work downtown.

As the city considers zoning regulations and design guidelines that would ensure downtown develops as a vibrant, mixed-use center, it has been hosting focus groups for a variety of stakeholder groups, including residents, businesses, architects and others.

Seven stakeholder groups were invited to engage in two-hour focus group discussions March 5-12 at City Hall. An eighth focus group, for downtown employees, is set for March 19, 4-6 p.m., at City Hall, in room 1E-108, where the all the focus groups are being held.

The meetings include a brief presentation on the Downtown Livability Initiative, followed by small group, facilitated discussion. Discussion topics include design, amenities and transportation issues. Feedback from these focus groups will help shape potential changes to the Land Use Code for downtown Bellevue.

So far, four stakeholder groups have met:

Architects and planners, Tuesday, March 5, 2-4 p.m.;

Property owners and developers, Wednesday, March 6, 8:30-10:30 a.m.;

Brokers, Wednesday, March 6, 4-6 p.m.;

Large companies and retailers, Thursday, March 7, 2-4 p.m.; and

People who served on the Downtown Implementation Plan Citizens Advisory Committee, Friday, March 8, 8:30-10:30 a.m.

If participants could not or cannot attend the meeting that best fits their stakeholder group, they are welcome to attend any of the others still to come.